Thursday, August 30, 2018

Faced with the worst summer fire season in 10 years, Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing broad new changes to California’s logging rules that would allow landowners to cut larger trees and build temporary roads without obtaining a permit (THP) as a way to thin more forests across the state.

The proposal — which has the support of the timber industry but is being opposed by more than a dozen environmental groups — would represent one of the most significant changes to the state’s timber harvesting (THP) rules in 45 years.

SB 901/AB 425 would allow trees to be removed from 300-acre plots without the benefits of timber harvest (THP) planning process.

SB 901/AB 425 would increase the legally allowed diameter of trees that can be removed without triggering a timber harvest plan requirement. The diameter size will increase from the current 26 to 32 inches in logged areas and up to 36 inches in roadway construction areas.

SB 901/AB 425 would allow up to 600-foot long roads to be cut through forested areas with little to no oversight. This language essentially allows 600-foot-long clearcuts throughout California’s forests without the benefit of agency oversight.

SB 901/AB 425 would lead to widespread biomass burning and increased air pollution.

PLEASE CALLyour state senator and assembly member and ask them to oppose AB 425 and SB 901. California already has an existing Timber Harvest Plan (THP) plan process where landowners and individuals can harvest trees utilizing the Forest Practices Act, so changes are not needed. Go to http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ and enter your address to contact your state assembly member and state senator.Tweet